BOB INGLE: Rutgers drama creates issue for election year

You'd think after the international black eye Penn State received over the way it handled the sexual abuse case involving one of its former coaches that Rutgers would have learned a thing or two about how to deal with potential media disasters. But, no. And the Democrats smell opportunity.

Video obtained by ESPN showed Rutgers basketball Coach Mike Rice yelling homophobic slurs at players, kicking them, grabbing them and throwing basketballs at them, in general acting like a 2-year-old out of control. Coaches across the country condemned it as did people with a modicum of decency.

This was the first time America heard about it, but not the Rutgers administration. There's also a good chance the folks under the gold dome knew about it too, because in December Athletic Director Tim Pernetti suspended Rice for three games and fined him $50,000. There are few secrets in Trenton.

After the airing, reporters asked for Christie's reaction. They got a statement from his spokesman because Christie was not in New Jersey. "Governor Christie saw the video today for the first time, and he is obviously deeply disturbed by the conduct displayed and strongly condemns this behavior. It's not the type of leadership we should be showing our young people, and clearly there are questions about this behavior that need to be answered by the leaders at Rutgers University."

Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, D-Gloucester, asked: "Why is it that we are only finding out the facts now, months after this occurred? Rutgers needs to explain why this was kept essentially secret."

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, D-Essex, said the decision not to dismiss him last year needs a complete and thorough review.

Calling players "faggots" and "fairies" is unacceptable at any university, but it is especially troubling at a school hit with a harassment lawsuit and where a student, Tyler Clemente, killed himself after a roommate spied on him and another man having an intimate encounter. Troy Stevenson, executive director of Garden State Equality, said Rice's behavior is "in direct violation of the state's anti-bullying laws, and it's indefensible."

Pernetti at first defended Rice, saying the tape was out of context (in what context is that acceptable?) and that in his judgment the punishment was enough, which serves to show how bad Pernetti's judgment is. After Rice, who was hired by Pernetti, was fired, the TV talking heads quoted Christie but none went deeper to ask how the governor intends to get answers from Rutgers. Or, more importantly, if he knew about the situation before he saw the tape.

At first, Pernetti said Rice "wavered" from Rutgers policy. Wavered? It was obvious from Pernetti's TV interview the day before the firing that he really didn't think it was such a big deal. He also gave himself cover by saying Rutgers President Robert Barchi had seen the tape and signed off on his handling of the case.

The next day Barchi issued a statement saying he personally reviewed the video Tuesday. That would put him on par with someone watching cable TV in Colorado or Nebraska. If that's the case, how did Barchi know Pernetti's decision was a proper call? Pernetti is now saying he was referring to the Tuesday viewing.

The country saw Christie, ice cream cone in hand, chase a guy on a bike because the guy reportedly said something inappropriate in front of children. Are we to believe Christie doesn't have a problem with an unprofessional, insensitive, losing but highly paid basketball coach do that to other people's kids? Why didn't Christie call for dismissal of Rice and the guy who protected him, Pernetti?

Pernetti's behavior and judgment is enough to fire him, although there will be resistance because (Tah dah!) he brings in money. That's what the issue was at Penn State too, money trumps all else, even the welfare of kids in places where they worship at the altar of athletics. Barchi is looking like he doesn't know enough to ask the right questions. Faculty members have written a letter to the Rutgers board calling for his dismissal. They and the students who care about decency should keep up the pressure. Hold a rally every day, if need be.

Oliver said she will schedule legislative hearings, possibly in a joint action with the Senate, "to make some determination about who knew what, and when." National media will be there.

Last year Rice was paid $622,500 and - get this - he will be paid $100,000 on top of that because he finished the season. Here's the kicker: Had he been fired in December instead of get suspended, he would not be getting the $100,000. Coincidence, my elbow!

Lawmakers have some direct control over the state university's funding and can issue directives through what is known as budget language. Oliver said Pernetti will have to answer for why Rice wasn't terminated after the videotape was first available last year. She tends to give Barchi wiggle room because he is relatively new. She shouldn't.

Expect to hear more. In this the Democrats have an election-year issue, one that they have no culpability in and the public here and across the country will support them on - if they can tie it around Christie's neck.

Bob Ingle is senior political columnist for New Jersey Press Media. He can be reached via email atbingle@njpressmedia.com. @bobingle99.

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BOB INGLE: Rutgers drama creates issue for election year

You'd think after the international black eye Penn State received over the way it handled the sexual abuse case involving one of its former coaches that Rutgers would have learned a thing or two